[IL-Talk] january at large minutes

[David Meyer]

National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
At Large Chapter

Minutes of meeting held Sunday January 2, 2022

The meeting convened at 7:03 PM. Attending: President Dave Meyer, 
Secretary Bill Reif, Marilyn Green, Gina Falvo, Pat Olson, Patrick 
Olson, Debby Pitman, Linda Hendle, Danny Mandrell, Ken Schad, Eileen 
Truschke, Yvonne Adjarco, Janna Hergert, Kyle Chellino and Leslie 
Hamric. Kyle reported that his grandfather recently passed away due to 
Covid-19. Gina and others mentioned they enjoyed the New Years Eve Zoom 
chat that took place that evening and would love to see it happen this 
coming New Years Eve.

Marilyn presented the State Report. Room registration for the NFB 
National Convention to be held at the Marriott New Orleans are now 
open. Address: 555 Canal near the Mississippi and the French Quarter. 
The Sheridan across the street will be the overflow hotel, and will 
house the Exhibit Hall. Room rate at both is $109 for singles and 
doubles and $119 for triples and quads. To reserve at the Marriott, 
call 800-654-3990. Applications for the National and state Scholarship 
programs are now open. Applications are due by 11:59 PM eastern on 
March 31 for national, and 11:59 PM  central on March 31 for state. 
Denise also discussed the Midwest Student Seminar scheduled March 18th 
at the Holiday Inn Ohare. Room rate is 109 per night, and seminar 
registration is $100 which includes three meals. Details are on our web 
site. Students between ages 14 and 22 can request DHS assistance, 
provided they have open cases. We also plan to conduct the BELL 
programs, in person, in Chicago and Springfield this summer, all in 
addition to the Bell At Home program National will be conducting. Those 
wanting more information or who may wish to mentor or otherwise assist 
can contact Debbie Stein, dkent5817 at att.net. Janna said there is a need 
for such programs in the Quad Cities area, and commended Patric Olson 
for the work he has been doing. Denise concluded with mention of the 
upcoming hybrid Washington Seminar beginning on February 7th.  Denise, 
Dustin Kather, Mary Grunwald and student Teresa Farvray will be going 
to Washington, with others participating virtually.

Kyle move, and Linda seconded, that the minutes of the December 2021 
meeting be approved, amended to reflect Cathy Randalls attendance. the 
motion passed.

Debbie Pittman introduced the program item, a demonstration of many 
features of the Amazon Echo presented by the Community Service 
Committee and a speaker identifying himself as Sam, host of The Blind 
Life youtube channel with over 700 videos. He works as the Assistive 
Technology Program manager at a low-vision center inKentucky. About 20 
minutes of the presentation were presented. Dave invited attendees to 
email him at datemeyer at mysero.net for a link to the entire presentation.

Due to the length of the meeting, Dave deferred discussion of possible 
chapter fund raising to the February meeting and asked that 
participants think about possible ideas.

There was no old or new business. the next meeting is scheduled for 
Sunday February 6th at 7:00 PM. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Bill Reif, Secretary